Three arraigned after Futsal game fracas

Three Serbian nationals yesterday pleaded not guilty to causing damage to the property of A.S. Hibernians while at the Corradino Sports Pavilion on Thursday evening.

Milos Stanisic, 25, Milan Stanisic, 27, and Vukasin Stevovic, 26, all residing in Malta, pleaded not guilty to causing serious damage to the property using explosive substances and assaulting Michael Stritz.

The court heard that a match of Futsal got out of hand when fans of the winning team were celebrating.

The Serbian fans of the European Pilot Academy team allegedly lit up a flares and threw them onto the pitch. After the fans invaded the pitch, the national coach of the Czech Republic's Futsal team, Michael Stritz, tried to calm the situation down but instead he was allegedly assaulted by the men.

The Serbs also pleaded not guilty to having in their possession explosive materials, inciting a group of people to commit a crime, letting off fireworks that may have caused injury, offending public morals and breaching the peace.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Michael Mallia, ordered the men not to leave the country.

Police Inspector Alex Grech prosecuted.